Stefano Bartolini

About Stefano:Stefano Bartolini is Professor of Economics at the University of Siena and is the author of several articles published in prestigious international academic reviews and of popular science essays. His research starts from the observation that the current economic and social order seems unsustainable from at least three points of view: the degradation of the natural environment, of interpersonal relationships and of human well-being. The crucial questions motivating his activity are: why does this happen? And most importantly: is it possible to reconcile a better quality of our environment, relationships and well-being with economic prosperity?

Stefano's Idea for the Happiness Movement:We live in rich countries, we have defeated mass poverty, we have access to consumer goods, education and health care and we live longer lives. However, studies on happiness in industrial countries depict a dismal portrait. Distress, mental illnesses, addictions, suicides and psychiatric drugs are on the rise in many countries. Why rich countries haven’t succeeded in combining economic development and wellbeing? The answer lies in the declining quality of our social and effective relationships. Our relationships have been sacrificed on the altar of material affluence, which knows only two imperatives: work and the consumption of material goods. Hence our increasing wealth of goods and penury of relationships. Hence our growing unhappiness. Bartolini’s book accompany us on a journey through the causes of and solutions to this contemporary malaise. Combining economic prosperity and happiness is as possible as it is necessary. Governments, political parties, entrepreneurs, managers, parents, teachers, and all of us have it in our power to redesign our world. We can change our schools, change our cities, reduce traffic and advertising.